ZONDERKIDZ

Poisoned
Copyright 2008, 2011 by Kristi Holl
Formerly titled Pick Your Poison
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Holl, Kristi.
[Pick your poison]
Poisoned / by Kristi Holl.
p. cm. (Faithgirlz) (Boarding school mysteries ; bk. 4)
Originally published in 2008 under the title, Pick your poison.
ISBN 978-0-310-72095-9 (softcover)
[1. Boarding schools Fiction. 2. Schools Fiction. 3. Poisons Fiction.
4. Christian life Fiction. 5. Mystery and detective stories.] I. Title.
PZ7.H7079Poi 20118
{Fic} dc22 2010037926
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Art direction and cover design: Sarah Molegraaf
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1
sneak attack
Birthday parties were supposed to be fun, but that
warm Saturday evening, nothing went as Jeri McKane
expected. Illness was the last thing on her mind as a
cardinal whistled outside her open window. She had
no clue that in two short hours her friends would be
poisoned.
Jeri twisted from side to side in front of the mirror.
Whats wrong with how I look? she asked her room-
mate. Her dark blue shirt complemented both her jeans
and the denim flats with red bows.
Whats wrong with it? Rosa Sanchez peered over
her shoulder. It looks like something your mom would
wear. Rosa always looked cool like now, in her short
denim skirt and tee with a fuzzy pink scarf. Her black
waist-length hair made any outfit look awesome. Want to
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8
borrow something? she asked with a wink. Dont forget,
Dallas is coming tonight. What if he brings some cutie
with him and you look like that?
Dallas. Jeris heart skipped a beat, and she turned
her back to Rosa to hide the blush that flooded her face.
Dallas Chandler, a boy from their church, attended the
Patterson School for Boys on the other side of Landmark
Hills. So far, Jeri had done a good job of hiding her crush
on him. She refused to risk Rosa telling Dallas about her
feelings. Before Christmas, Rosa had done that to a boy
Abby liked, and Abby had nearly died of shame.
How about this? Rosa held up a lavender top with a
lace edge. Then she grabbed a short black skirt from her
closet. Or this?
Hmm. It was tempting, even if it was awfully short.
I suppose I could wear tights with it.
No way, Jos! Rosa shook her head. Show off those
legs! She frowned. Youre awfully white though. You
have any of that bronze gel stuff?
No. Jeri glanced at her watch. Anyway, I gotta get
downstairs. Im setting tables for Abby.
Tonight, Abby Wright, the girl from England who lived
in the dorm room next to theirs, was fixing a meal for
eight people. It was her home ec project, and it included
a birthday cake for another sixth grader who lived there
in Hampton House. Since part of her grade was based on
proper boy/girl etiquette at a dinner, Dallas and a friend
had agreed to show up and lend a hand.
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9
Just then, heavy footsteps pounded up the stairs, and
Jeri whipped around as their door burst open. Nikki Browns
face was beaded with sweat. Come quick! Both of you.
Whats the matter? Jeri asked.
You know Abbys tuna turnovers? A tube of biscuits
exploded!
Jeri gasped. No way!
It was sitting on the stove while the oven preheated.
I saw something like that on TV, Rosa said. Grocer-
ies were left in a car parked in the sun. It got so hot the
cans of biscuits exploded all over the car.
Exactly. Nikki rolled her eyes. The grocery stores
delivery guy is busy, so Ms. Carters driving Abby there for
more biscuits. Nikki flicked some lettuce off her fringed
leather vest. I was making the salad, but now I have to
clean up the biscuit glop. I cant do everything!
Well help, Jeri said. Is the birthday cake okay?
Sorta. A flying biscuit mashed some of the frosting.
Ill fix the cake. Rosa put on a pink ball cap with a
silver band. Nikki, you clean up the biscuit mess. Jeris
setting the tables.
Okay, but hurry up. Those guys get here in half an
hour. Nikkis cowboy boots clomped back down the stairs.
Jeri turned back to the mirror. Should she wear the
skirt or shouldnt she? In the mirrors reflection, she
spotted the desktop photo of her and her mom sitting on
their porch swing back home in Iowa. Her moms trusting
smile made her hesitate. And yet, if she was old enough
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to go to school halfway across the country, wasnt she old
enough to dress herself without Moms advice? If only the
skirt werent quite so short . . .
Jeri handed Rosas skirt back. Thanks, anyway. She
yanked a comb through her shoulder-length brown hair,
added a headband, and followed Rosa down the steps.
Weird to have the dorm so quiet tonight, Rosa said.
Jeri nodded. Most of the girls were eating supper in the
dining hall. Miss Barbara, their assistant house mother,
planned to take them roller skating afterward. Only
Emily the birthday girl and her roommate, Brooke,
were still upstairs in their room, waiting for Abbys dinner.
Downstairs, the kitchen was a disaster. Globs of sticky
biscuit dough stuck to the floor, the table, the stove, and
the windowsill. One biscuit had mashed a yellow frosting
rose and the green y from Birthday. Rosa immediately went
to work on the cake.
Nikki was on the floor scraping up pieces of canned
biscuits. The makings for the turnover filling tuna,
shredded cheese, ripe olives, and hardboiled eggs were
on the counter, waiting to be mixed and wrapped inside
biscuit dough. Poor Abby! Jeri thought as she went to set
the tables and arrange flowers.
Down the hall, two card tables and eight chairs were
already set up in the first-floor study room. Disposable
items bright yellow paper tablecloths, plates, and cups,
plus plastic silverware were in a sack beside the door.
Jeri quickly set both tables.
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Also by the door was a huge bouquet of yellow daffodils
with orange centers, enough flowers for two centerpieces. She
breathed deeply; she loved that smell. Using the sharp knife
lying there, she followed Abbys written instructions to cut
an inch off each stem before putting the flowers in vases.
As she worked, she allowed herself to pretend that the
flowers were hers, and Dallas had surprised her with them.
Just to celebrate spring, he might say, giving her that
slow Southern grin and a wink.
Are you done? Nikki called from the doorway,
making her jump.
Ow! Jeri dropped the knife. A thin red line appeared
on her thumb, and blood dripped onto a daffodil. Get me
a Band-Aid, will you?
Nikki dashed off and reappeared with the kitchens
first-aid kit. She wiped Jeris cut and applied disinfectant
cream and a Band-Aid. You okay? At Jeris nod, Nikki
headed back to the kitchen. Jeri finished the bouquets,
tossing the stems and the bloom with her blood on it into
the garbage.
In the kitchen, Jeri found things more under control.
Rosa had fixed the y on top of the cake and removed the
flattened rose. The biscuits were in the wastebasket. Nikki
was breaking fresh mushrooms into small pieces for the
salad, while Rosa grated a carrot to add. The filling for the
turnovers still needed to be mixed.
Should I go ahead Jeri was cut off as Abby and
the house mother rushed in the back door.
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12
Abbys gaze darted around the room, then she visibly
relaxed. You guys are the best mates! She set a new can of
biscuits onto the counter. Thank you! After shrugging off
her jacket, she dumped the ingredients into a mixing bowl.
Jeri gave Abbys shoulder a quick squeeze. Everything
else is done. Can I help with the turnovers while you get
dressed?
I wish! Abby tucked her wind-blown blonde hair
behind her ears. I can have helpers for everything but the
main dish. I have to cook it by myself.
While I take photos for proof, Ms. Carter said,
clicking away with her camera.
Wait, Jer, can you do something else for me? Abby
asked, stirring her ingredients together. Have Emily and
Brooke come downstairs now. Then, when the guys arrive,
you take them into the living room and serve the hors
doeuvres.
Youre having hors doeuvres? Jeri smiled, but her
stomach tightened. She didnt want to be in charge. What
if she dumped the snacks into Dallass lap? What do you
want me to serve?
Tortilla swirls and Asian meatballs theyre in the
fridge. Abby nodded toward a cupboard. In there are
some colored toothpicks. Theyre for dipping the meatballs
in the sweet-and-sour sauce.
Youre making my mouth water!
Good. Abby grinned. Tell that to my home ec teach er.
Youll love those swirls. Theyre tortillas filled with cream
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13
cheese and salsa, then rolled up and sliced like little
pinwheels. She flattened a canned biscuit, spooned
tuna mixture into the center, folded the dough over, and
pinched the edges together with a fork. Ill change clothes
while the turnovers bake.
Fifteen minutes later the front doorbell sounded. Jeri
checked her reflection in the mirror over the fireplace,
took a deep breath, and started down the short hallway.
Rosa came from behind, stepped around her, and
opened the door with a flourish. Flashing a bright smile,
she ushered the boys in. Welcome to Hampton House,
she said.
Dallas spotted Jeri and grinned. Hi. He hung his
cowboy hat on the hall tree. Jeri didnt know which was
shinier his polished boots or his silver belt buckle. You
all know Jonathan? he asked, hooking a thumb at his
friend.
Jonathan mumbled Hello. His red tracksuit swished
as he tossed his ball cap onto one of the hooks.
Rosa stepped between the boys and slipped her arms
through theirs. Let me introduce you to the birthday
girl. She led them to the living room, where Emily
softly played a song by heart on the piano. Meet Emily
Kirkland, Rosa said.
Hi, Emily, Dallas said. And happy birthday!
Thanks. Emilys smile transformed her plain round
face. Dressed in tan Bermudas and a brown shirt, she
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almost blended into the wood paneling. Thats my room-
mate, Brooke.
Hey. Brooke stood framed by the picture window,
poised as if waiting to have her photo taken. In her
cropped jacket, plaid capris, and sequined flip-flops, she
could have been a model. She must love those capris, Jeri
thought. It looked like shed outgrown them a while back.
Then again, most of Rosas capris were skin tight, and
they were brand new.
Rosa tuned the radio to her favorite music station,
and then turned to Jeri. Wanna get the snacks? I mean,
the hors doeuvres? Tell Nikki to bring in sodas too.
She perched on the arm of the couch beside Dallas, her
swinging legs barely covered by her short skirt. Ill take
care of our guests.
Sure. Jeri turned, wishing now that she had bor-
rowed the skirt. Rosa was getting all the attention, and
her bossiness was irritating. Who left her in charge?
Jeri passed around the hors doeuvres, and she was
grateful when Brooke offered to help refill peoples glasses.
Finally Abby came downstairs. Hi, everybody. I think its
all ready. She headed to the study room. Follow me. One
guy per table, okay?
Relax, everybody, the house mother added from the
hall where she waited with her camera.
Jeris heart fluttered. Now what? Would Dallas ask her
to sit at his table?
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The boys grinned and split up. Rosa, Emily, and
Brooke hurried to Dallass table. Disappointed, Jeri
followed Nikki and Abby to Jonathans table. Very nice,
very quiet J onathan. The boys seated each of the girls
before sitting down themselves. Ms. Carters camera
clicked away.
Jeri couldnt remember the last time shed felt so
stiff and awkward. She knew this was all part of Abbys
requirement for a good grade, but it felt so silly. She
sneaked a glance at Abby, waiting for her to unfold
her perfect fan-shaped napkin. Next to her, apparently
stumped, J onathan pondered the three forks by his plate.
The formally set table looked odd with plastic silverware,
Jeri thought, but cleanup later should be easy.
The seating etiquette seemed pointless to her too. Jeri
had to jump back up immediately to help carry in the
salads and warm garlic breadsticks. A few minutes later,
Jeri whispered, Abby, sit down and eat. But Abby kept
running back and forth to the kitchen, refilling glasses of
sweet tea and checking the oven.
Once Emilys glass got knocked over, and Abby
jumped up, but Dallas waved her back down. Weve got
it, he said, grabbing his napkin. Its just water.
Conversation felt unnatural and phony until Ms.
Carter finished taking photos and left. Then Jeri sensed
everyone relaxing. Her own back ached from sitting up so
straight, and she slumped in relief. Conversation flowed
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16
freely then, although there was a lot more laughing at
Dallas table than theirs.
Jonathan was intent on eating his own meal two
helpings of each dish plus anything the girls couldnt
finish. Between bites he asked each girl the same two
questions: Where are you from? and Do you have any
brothers or sisters? Jeri shook her head. He must have
memorized them from some old etiquette book. Couldnt
he dry up so she could hear the conversation at Dallass
table?
Jeri caught snatches of talk about the science fair the
following week. She glanced behind her, green with envy
at Dallas listening so intently to Emily. She was describing
interactive brain teasers to demonstrate how parts of the
brain functioned. Whatever that meant!
She has a good chance of winning, Brooke added.
Ms. Todd said so.
Impressing the science teacher is one thing, Emily
said. Demonstrating for the judges is something else. She
blushed then. Anyway, Brookes entry is just as good as
mine. Shes doing hers on making flowers bloom longer.
Brooke shrugged. My parents own a florist shop. I
grew up watching them arrange flowers.
Jonathan quizzed Abby about her brothers and sisters,
drowning out further comments about the science fair. Jeri
knew that the winner would walk away with a blue ribbon
and a huge scholarship. Abby was competing in it too,
with something about the food pyramid.
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The month of May was filled with final competitions
for scholarships: Abby in the science fair, Rosas scrap-
booking project for the art fair, Nikkis equestrian contest,
and the media fair Jeri would compete in. She planned to
enter her self-published sixth-grade newspaper.
The newspaper had started as a group assignment
early in the school year for herself, Rosa, Abby, and Nikki.
It had been an instant hit with their friends especially
Rosas advice column so Jeri had decided to keep pub-
lishing it. To win at the media fair, all she needed was a
zinger of a front-page article. Time was getting short to
find something catchy to write about.
Finally Abby stood up. Ready for birthday cake, Emily?
Sure! Emily was the kind of plain, brainy girl you
barely noticed, Jeri thought, but tonight she was almost
radiant.
Everybody stay put, Abby said. Ill be right back.
Jeri pulled the study rooms heavy drapes closed
to make it really dark, and then she stood by the door.
A moment later, Abby called, Lights out! Jeri flipped the
light switch and then hurried to her seat.
Abby carried in the two-layer birthday cake with twelve
blazing candles. Her face shone eerily above the candle-
light. Happy birthday to you! she sang, and everyone
joined in. Dallas laughed when Emily blew too hard on the
candles, spraying bits of melted wax across the cake.
Within fifteen minutes the entire cake was gone. Both
boys ate two pieces. Emily escaped up to her room with
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the remaining chunk of cake, saving it for a midnight
snack. Then the boys ride back to Patterson arrived, and
Abby walked Dallas and Jonathan to the door, thanking
them for their help.
After they left, Abby closed the door and collapsed
against it. Im bloomin tired, she said. Hurray for
paper plates.
Ill help clean up, Jeri said. You did an awesome
job, Abby.
An A is definitely in the bag, Rosa agreed.
Abby and Jeri joked around as they washed and dried
the cooking and baking dishes. Nikki and Rosa slumped
in the breakfast nook, where Rosa flipped on the portable
TV. When Jeri wiped off the table, she was surprised to see
Nikki so pale.
You okay? she asked.
Not really. Nikkis skin was an odd shade of green.
Jeri frowned. Actually, she was feeling a bit queasy
herself.
Standing, Nikki grabbed the edge of the table. Im
going to bed. She started toward the hallway. Oh, man.
She turned abruptly and stumbled into the small half-
bath off the kitchen. She slammed the door shut and
threw up, over and over. Jeris stomach lurched at the
retching sounds.
Ill get Ms. Carter, Rosa said. She raced up the stairs
to find the house mother.
Jeri knocked on the closed door. Nikki, can I help?
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No, she answered weakly. Ill be okay.
Jeri looked over her shoulder at Abby. Are you sick too?
No, but I didnt eat that much. Nikki had two big
helpings of everything.
Jeri frowned. I didnt eat that much either. But if Nikki
didnt stop throwing up, the retching threatened to make
Jeri vomit too.
Rosa and Ms. Carter rushed into the kitchen. The
house mother knocked on the bathroom door. Im com-
ing in, Nikki, she said, going in and closing the door.
Jeri, Rosa, and Abby waited in the kitchen. Abby
wrung her hands. Poor Nikki! Do you think there was
something wrong with what I cooked?
Probably, Rosa said. Emily and Brooke are sick
upstairs too, but not this bad.
Jeris stomach cramped suddenly. Its not your fault.
Maybe the tuna was old or something. Itll be okay.
It took Nikki forever to stop throwing up. When she
finally spoke, her words to the house mother were clear,
even through the closed bathroom door.
Ms. Carter, she moaned, I think Im going to die.
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2
poisoning
Jeri gasped. Nikki did sound like she might die. Her
weak voice was a far cry from her usual strong, bossy
tone. The bathroom door opened, and Jeri and the others
stepped back. Ms. Carter supported Nikki with one arm
around her waist.
I hate throwing up, Nikki muttered.
Most people do, the house mother agreed.
Once I get started, I cant seem to stop, Nikki said,
an edge of panic in her voice. Ive always been that way.
Really? Ms. Carter frowned. What usually happens?
I get dehydrated, and then I get shots to stop it.
Nikki turned suddenly and stumbled back to the bath-
room. She was sick again, but soon it sounded like her
stomach was empty. Dry heaves, Jeri remembered her mom
calling them.
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22
Jeris stomach rolled then, and she felt sweat beads on
her upper lip. Oh no, not me too.
Ms. Carter ran to help Nikki. Jeri, grab the small
wastebasket from my office, the house mother called.
We may need it on the way.
On the way to where? Jeri asked.
To the infirmary. Im taking her now. If she has a his-
tory of this, theres no point in waiting until shes dehy-
drated. Jeri ran for the little trash can and handed it to
the house mother.
Abbys face was so pale that her eyes looked like
enormous coals. This is my fault, she whispered. It
must be the food I fixed, especially if Brooke and Emily
are sick too.
They arent real bad, Rosa said. Not as bad as Nikki
anyway. Ill go see if they need anything.
Jeri patted Abbys arm, willing her own stomach to
stop rolling. Abby felt bad enough without her getting sick
too. A moment later Ms. Carter emerged from the bath-
room again, holding a weak Nikki upright. Come on,
hon. Lean on me. She helped her to a chair underneath
the phone and placed the wastebasket beside her. Use
this if you have to.
Abbys voice was faint. Can I help?
Yes, you both can. Abby, you keep an eye on Nikki
while I check on Brooke and Emily and get my car keys.
She nodded at the list of numbers posted over the phone.
Jeri, you call the Patterson School for Boys. I need to
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know if Dallas and Jonathan are sick too. She hurried off
upstairs.
Fighting her rolling stomach, Jeri dialed the boys
school. She explained what she needed to know, then
waited on hold. When the headmaster came on the line,
he assured her that the boys were fine at least, so far.
Thank you for alerting us, he said. Tell Ms. Carter Ill
be in touch if they get sick.
Jeri hung up, relieved.
Nikki sat hunched over the wastebasket, her hair
hanging over her face. Jeri fished an elastic band from her
pocket and loosely braided Nikkis hair to get it away from
her mouth just in case. Thirty seconds later, she was sick
again.
Abby handed her some tissues when she finished.
Jeris own stomach lurched as she went to rinse out the
waste basket. If only she could keep from throwing up!
Bitter- tasting bile rose in the back of her throat, and she
swallowed convulsively. Please, God, not me too!
Ms. Carter returned then, a purse over her shoulder.
Lets go, Nikki. And dont worry, girls. The infirmary has
good people on staff.
Oh, the headmaster said Dallas and Jonathan are
fine, Jeri said.
Good. Ill call Miss Barbara from the infirmary. Im so
glad we have a doctor and nurses on the campus. Ms. Carter
pressed her lips together. I think Brooke and Emily are done
being sick, and Rosa will sit with them till we get back.
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Tears rolled silently down Abbys cheeks. Its all my
fault! she said. It has to be.
Oh, honey, dont, Ms. Carter said, wrapping her arms
around Abby. Its not your fault. If the food was tainted,
it was an accident. For all we know, theres a fast-acting
virus going around. The doctor may be able to tell us. She
peeked in the refrigerator. Just in case, put the leftovers in
a plastic bag and throw them in the garbage can outside.
Okay.
Ms. Carter helped Nikki to her feet. Nikkis eyes glazed
over as she leaned on the short house mother. Ill call you
girls when theres news, Ms. Carter said.
Jeri turned to Abby. The tiny British girl who had so
happily carried in the blazing birthday cake two hours
ago stared with frightened eyes. Itll be okay, Jeri said.
Try not to worry. Please, God, let Nikki be all right, she
prayed. A wave of heat rose up her face. And dont let me
get sick. Please!
Abby wiped her eyes and blew her nose. I think Ms.
Carters just being nice, she said. My cooking must have
made everyone sick. But how?
Rosa came in then. Maybe you didnt cook the meat
enough, she answered.
Abby frowned. I was upstairs changing when you ate
the little meatballs. Did they taste funny?
No, Jeri said firmly, glaring at Rosa behind Abbys
back. They tasted great. Rosa ate a ton of them, and shes
not sick.
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25
I didnt eat a ton! Rosa protested. But, yes, I ate
four or five, and Im fine. Maybe its something else. Once
my moms potato salad made everyone sick at a picnic
because the mayonnaise got too warm. Maybe the cream
cheese in the tortilla swirls was rotten.
Or maybe its a virus, like Ms. Carter said, Jeri
repeated, aggravated at Rosa. Couldnt she see how bad
Abby already felt?
If its a virus, it came and went fast, Rosa said.
Brooke and Emily felt better as soon as they threw up a
couple times.
Okay, okay. Jeri swallowed convulsively. Could you
talk about something besides throwing up?
Sorry. How about a game while we wait? Rosa sug-
gested. Cranium? Cards? Maybe Outburst?
After Abby tossed out the leftovers, she and Jeri fol-
lowed Rosa into the study room, and they pulled two
games from the shelf. Suddenly Jeris throat felt con-
stricted, and she couldnt swallow. Heat rose in waves
from her chest to her neck and face. Ill be right back,
she said. I . . . want to change into pjs.
Abby raised an eyebrow, but Jeri forced herself to smile
as she left the room. Once out of view, she took the stairs
two at a time and bolted down the hall to the restroom.
She barely made it to a stall before losing every bit of food
shed eaten at the party. Jeri thought the retching would
never end. Finally the spasms in her throat lessened, and
her stomach settled down.
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26
She sat back on her heels, wiped her sweaty face with
a wad of toilet paper, and hauled herself to her feet. At a
sink, she dampened a paper towel and washed her blotchy
skin. By the time she changed her clothes and rejoined
Abby and Rosa, her flushed face had returned to its
normal color. Good, she thought. Abby will never know.
Thirty minutes later, Miss Barbara returned with the
rest of the sixth graders who lived in Hampton House.
Abby jumped up immediately and asked if any of the girls
had been sick that evening.
No. Not a soul. Miss Barbara flowed into the room,
her billowing caftan making her look elegant in spite of
her size. Ms. Carter called the bowling alley and told me
what happened.
Three girls pulled up chairs to watch the Cranium game
in progress, and the noise level rose. Lets wait for news in
my room, Jeri said, giving up her spot in the game.
Good idea. Abby led the way upstairs. What if
Nikki has to stay in the infirmary? she asked. What if
shes too weak to compete next Saturday?
The shows still a long ways off. Dont worry yet.
The years biggest equestrian competition was next
Saturday afternoon, a week away. Nikki had brought her
thoroughbred, Show Stopper, to school with her, and they
competed in all kinds of horse shows. If Ms. Carter would
let her, Nikki would gladly live in the barn.
At 9:30, the phone rang, and Jeri grabbed it on the
first ring. Ms. Carter said Nikki was finally better after
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27
getting three different shots to stop the vomiting. Because
she was slightly dehydrated, the doctor was keeping her
overnight and giving her fluids by IV. There wasnt
enough left in Nikkis stomach contents to test, but the
nurse suggested food poisoning, she said.
Jeri pressed her lips together. Food poisoning sounded
horrible. She wished she could skip that part of the mes-
sage to Abby.
When she hung up, Jeri relayed the message, saying
spoiled food instead. When they finally went to bed,
Jeri curled into a ball, pressing her hand against her sore
stomach. Thank you, God. She was grateful to feel better,
but the word resounded in her brain: poisoning.
On Sunday morning Jeri was still sleeping hard when
her alarm buzzed. Shuffling down the hall to the shower,
she passed Emily and Brookes room. The door was ajar,
and she knocked. No one answered, but her light tap
pushed the door open.
Their room was bright from the double windows
facing east. Jeri stared in surprise at a lumpy sculpture
beneath the window. The surface of the gray clay was
covered with meandering red and blue lines. Those were
veins, Jeri finally realized, on a brain! It must be part of
Emilys science fair display. Beside the sculpture, a big red
poster with giant blue letters read BRAIN FUNCTION:
Facts and Fun! Smaller blue letters read Puzzles and
Brain Teasers Develop Reasoning Skills in Your Prefrontal
Cortex! Whatever that means, thought Jeri.
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28
Another poster yellow this time had bold green
lettering: Can Science Improve on Mother Nature?
Nearby, jars labeled Carnations, Irises, Daffodils, and
Lilies lined the windowsill. Some of the blooms looked
fresh, others rather wilted. According to the poster, Brooke
was testing what to add to the water like sugar or
salt to make bouquets last longer.
Jeri hated science and was thankful not to be in the
science fair. She excelled in English, though, and hoped
to win the media fair award. She really needed that
scholarship so she could return in the fall. Early in the
school year, all Jeri had wanted to do was go back to Iowa.
Now, after a year at Landmark School for Girls in Vir-
ginia, she couldnt imagine life without Abby and Rosa.
Jeri zipped through her shower in record time, glad
shed picked out her outfit the night before. She planned to
wear black pants and a soft orange top that was fuzzy as
a blanket. It looked good with her dark brown hair.
But when she stepped into their room and saw the
pink blouse and miniskirt Rosa was wearing, it made her
own outfit look babyish. She sighed inwardly. She was kid-
ding herself. Boys werent blind. Even someone as nice as
Dallas would never notice her with Rosa around.
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